Lulu for Lululemon

Okay. I will admit it. I have officially become Lulu for Lululemon. I tried to resist. I tried to fight the urge. The voice in the back of my head was telling me that $80 for a pair of cropped leggings was $60 too much (okay, that might be an exaggeration... I don't know. I don't even buy leggings! True life: I have one pair and they're dance wear leggings). 

So how did I get sucked into the Lulu life? My (practically) godmother and I went shopping with her son's girlfriend (so pretty much, my family friend), S. S is obsessed with Lulu. We went on a major shopping spree that day and went to 3 shopping centers. At the 2nd shopping center. there was a Lulu. We went inside, and while S didn't find anything, she convinced my godmother to buy her son (S' boyfriend) a pair of Lulu shorts. Only a casual $98. No big deal. 

As I walked around, I started to fall in love with the insane sports bras... Who knew working out could look SO good?!

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Of course, I temporarily forgot that this is just a dream for me because...

a.) I don't work out in solely a sports bra. I always wear something on top, and not a cute workout tank... a big oversized t-shirt.

b.) My boobs won't be supported in this super adorable, but noted light support, sports bra.

c.) I'm not about to drop $48 on a sports bra that people won't even be able to see underneath my huge shirt. I won't even drop $48 on a nice shirt that people can see.

So the dream sounds kinda dead, right? Wrong!

We went to the third store and to the Lulu there too (because why not? Maybe some new deals... I guess. I don't know. Whatever, I'm not complaining. The store is super cute and gives me new found motivation to work out and drink kale smoothies all day.)

And then I saw it. S found them. HEADBANDS! ON SALE! Hey, I can wear headbands! To work! To school! Anywhere in the world! Not just to work out...

And in that moment, I forgot how headbands can sometimes give me a headache. I forgot that I really don't need a headband, much less for more than $5. I forgot that I own headbands.

I caved and got one. Must be that Lulu for Lulu magic they have going on in that store.

But really... it was only $7!

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But wait! There's more...

Maybe it was the cute shopping bags, or the cute employee who was so sweet, or just the vibe of the store.

But I went back and bought another headband. And one for my friend too, just to spread that Lulu craziness. ;)

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Do you have a similar store of being Lulu for Lulu? Or another store? Share your story! (Please tell me I'm not the only one!)

PS: I do wear these headbands pretty often. I prefer the purple one's fit (it's stretchier).

(J) Crew Love

I hope my friend H is proud of my Drake reference. I haven't been blogging for a while, so while I'd typically have a huge list of things I've bought... I don't really! I haven't been shopping much because school has been consuming my life. But hey... now summer is here! More shopping? ;)

Sale items are an extra 30% off and final sale items are an extra 60% off with code SHOPSALE!


Here are some of my recent purchases that I've been loving:

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I just bought a pair of the Toothpick Cone Denim jeans in a lighter wash. These are my first pair of J.Crew jeans (I have one pair from J.Crew factory but I'm not a fan), but I tried these on in the store and fell in love! Most comfortable (and flattering) pair of jeans I own! I'm buying the darker wash today.

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I tried on this sweater in store and fell in love with it! I was about to buy it, but then I saw another one that I liked better. It's so flowy and loose, I'd totally suggest it!

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I got this one! I'm loving the new tie-dye trend that's happening. It's so pretty! It's my all time new favorite shirt, ever!

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I got this shirt on a whim. But I'm so glad I did! It's so cute and H is obsessed with it. So pretty and fun! I brought this shirt and the sweater above with me to DC!

What are your current fav picks from J.Crew?

Kendra Scott Charity Event

I've come to the decision that instead of giving you long updates about my life in one scattered post, I'll just update you on the events individually! Yay, so first up... a much loved Kendra Scott Charity Event!

I'm currently the VP of the UNICEF club at my school. UNICEF's current fundraiser is raising money for the Nepal Earthquake victims. We wanted to help raise money, and I knew that Kendra Scott did lots of charity events, so we reached out to our local Kendra Scott. They were super sweet and told us that we could have a charity event at their store. On a certain day, for a two hour period, 20% of that Kendra Scott's store's proceeds would go to UNICEF! 

Unfortunately, there was a bit of commotion and time constraints with our school, so the event wasn't allowed to be done through the school, so we couldn't hang up posters through the school. However, we had the event done outside of school. It was a really fun event!

I bought a necklace for myself and a charm for a friend's graduation present. Since we didn't really get to advertise as much as we wanted, not a ton of people from our school showed up. However, there were lots of shoppers for a Tuesday night which was awesome! I'm always glad to shop at Kendra Scott (and help a good cause!).

Me, SS and AV
My necklace is Kendra Scott (the design is not available anymore)

Panera for dinner is always a good call

Here are the pieces that I got:

Mara Pendant Necklace

Love this!

This is the necklace I got for myself! I'm not sure if the color is exactly right as the pic I picked from the KS website, because my eyes aren't 100% sure, but I think this is the one! I love this delicate necklace and I wore it for the first time at work training yesterday. I love how it goes with everything and I think I'll be wearing it all the time from now on!

Goldstone Charm

How cute is this?

I was looking for a graduation present for my friend KP (more about her to come in my Prom post!). I really liked this charm and considered buying it for myself, but then I realized it'd really compliment her eyes! It was perfect. I just need to buy a necklace chain for her!

Rayne necklace

Wearing it for the first time!
So many compliments!

There was a raffle for this necklace that I loved, and I was lucky enough to win! I entered 5 times before the deadline and I was beyond delighted that I won! It's my favorite necklace and I was considering buying it, but good thing I didn't!

Kendra Scott is amazing on helping out with charity events, so if you ever want to do an event with them, reach out to them! And their jewelry is the cutest ever! Thanks Kendra!

Prom Dresses (The Ultimate Guide)

As you may or may not know, I'm planning the prom at my school this year with J! We are so excited. Here are some tips that I've learned...

Before you start looking...

• Know your budget: this is the most important part! There's nothing worse than falling in love with a dress way out of your budget. Figure this out with your parents before doing anything.
• Know your size: this is helpful for ordering dresses online and reducing the chance of having to exchange sizes (just such a hassle!). 
• Know what you like and dislike: you might figure this out as you start looking at dresses and trying them on, but if you know beforehand, you can set filters on websites and let the staff know at the store. Things to think about: dress color, sleeves/sleeveless/strapless, dress length, slits, cut-outs, jewels, etc. On the other hand, keep an open mind if you're not 100% sure, you may find the perfect dress that isn't what you were envisioning.

Where to go...

• Trustworthy sites over sketchy online sites: that dress is super cute AND it's super cheap... but the website is some site you've never heard of and looks a bit sketchy? Sometimes it's too good to be true. I'd rather pay more for a dress you can trust with a good return policy. Always google the website and its reviews (don't trust the reviews listed on the site- they're typically all mysteriously positive!). 
• Discount sites and outlets: if you don't want to spend $98502 on a prom dress, I totally understand! We're in the same boat. I don't see the point of buying a super expensive prom dress that you're only going to wear once. Yes, you can resell, but there's always risk in that. The BCBG outlet is always a popular choice to go, and 6pm.com is the best hidden secret. (and totally safe! Promise! Make sure you check its return policy though because I've never returned anything from there.)
• Check back often: There are typically occasion sales where they discount some of the prom dress styles, so check back for your favorites at the various websites and stores!
• Check out other sections: Don't limit yourself to the "prom" section. There are lots of gorgeous dresses in the bridesmaid and evening gown sections!

My Recommendations 

• Nordstrom
• Dillard's
• Belk
• Saks Fifth Avenue
• Nordstrom Rack (lots of short dresses!)
• David's Bridal

Found a couple of contenders you want to buy?

• Check the return policy: just in case. My family are huge fans of Nordstrom's return policy; it's awesome. 
• If needed, find out how much alterations cost: this might just be me because I'm short, but I will probably need my dress altered, if it's complimentary with your purchase, take advantage of that!
• Do a double take to make sure it's good: It has happened to me, I bought something, and when we got home, we realized there was a tiny tear or something small, but yes, noticeable.

Current Cravings

I haven't done a Current Cravings in the longest time! I can't wait to tell you all about my new semester (which I'm already loving- very surprising, as you'll hear about tomorrow) and everything going on!

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I've been in love with the small Kendra Scott necklaces recently! While I have one statement one, I think these are so delicate and are the perfect touch to any outfit! I love how they're styled here on Pinterest:

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And the prettiest ring to match it! It's so simple and sparkly, I love it!

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My cousin has like four of these necklaces and I'm obsessed with everything about them! I love the tassel trend.

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Literally my ideal outfit. I'd wear a variation of this everyday if possible.

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I love J.Crew's selection! This scarf is so cute and cozy.

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Tassels on a scarf? Yes please!

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This shirt is seriously everything I'd love in a shirt. My cousin said "It was so me!" when we went shopping.

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This would've already been mine if it came in my size! Nothing I love more than a cute striped shirt.

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I promise you will never regret buying cute socks. I love the herringbone and the bows and the stripes! Okay I love all of them, sue me.

These are just some of my current cravings. With the new semester, the craving for new clothes has been insane! (And I haven't bought many new clothes recently. My mom keeps pulling the "You don't need any new clothes" card, but seriously I can't resist!)

I'll talk more about this in tomorrow's post but check out the two dresses I ordered for Sadie's!

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I love the drop hem! And the fact that it's 60% off with both the reviews giving it 5 stars gives me hope!

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This is my personal favorite! Classy in the front, party in the back! ;) I just need to see if my mom will approve the low back and make sure my back looks good! (I'll probably have a bra tan line,.. no joke!) We'll see!

The earliest they're supposed to come in is tomorrow, so I'm excited to see when the dresses will come! I'll definitely post photos of me in both! I love them both and can't wait to see them in person and on me!

Which do you prefer? What are your current cravings? Let me know! Have a great rest-of-the-week! Thank goodness tomorrow is Friday!

Sadie Hawkins

So we're having a Sadie Hawkins dance at my school! At first I was a little nervous because it means I have to ask a boy! But it all turned out alright. I ended up asking J... Are y'all surprised? (Read about him in these posts: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7) Can you believe those are just the seven most recent posts with him? He's a big part of my life.

How I Asked: I was really nervous, even though I was pretty sure that he would say yes. (A girl has gotta drop a couple hints here and there!) I had talked to literally all of my friends about it and we planned the perfect ask. He works at Kilwin's, a fudge and ice cream shop. I have visited him at work before and we've talked about his job a lot. (He tried to get me to apply there once! Although I already have the best job ever!)

My friend thought of the best pun: I'd be Kilwinning if you went to Sadie's with me! (Get it? Kilwins + winning = Kilwinning!) I thought it was perfect! J and I are both fans of puns (because I'm the type to make puns in daily conversation... it's cool.) I liked it because it was creative and personal!

I wanted to get J his favorite thing from Kilwin's too! While I know his favorite ice cream flavors (salted caramel and Kilwins tracks), I wasn't going to get him ice cream because it would melt! (Even though with the NC weather around here, it might stay cold!)

I came up with the idea to tell him that I was getting a birthday gift for a friend with a huge sweet tooth and I found out that his favorite thing from Kilwins (besides the ice cream) are the salted caramels! (He's a fan of salted caramel... if you can't tell!)

Plans had gotten switched around, but it all worked out for the best! I ended up going to surprise J after work. I didn't want to ask him while he was working, because he was on payroll at the time and working. JSC came with me because she rocks and I needed the moral support.

I needed to buy him some salted caramels, so JSC and I went in to buy them and talk to J. I was nervous, even though I wasn't even going to ask him then. I was probably more awkward than usual, but JSC said it was fine. JSC met J for the first time and said he was very sweet and professional (since he was at work!).

Then JSC and I waited for J to get off work. We ended up driving around the shopping center and parking in the back lot where he'd be leaving from. (Not creepy at all... right? Just parking where all the employees park and waiting for J... Thank goodness he knows me well and still tolerates me haha!)

JSC and I talked while we waited for J to come out. I was nervous, but I always love talking to JSC and we needed to catch up. Then JSC saw people coming out the back door, and the employees were taking the garbage out. She exclaimed "This is so creepy of us, Sam! Duck!"

So we did what any normal girls waiting at 10:15pm for a boy to leave work would do... ducked in JSC's car!

After they went back into the store, we continued talking, then JSC, who had been keeping an eye on her rearview mirror, exclaimed "Sam! Go now! He's in his car! He's gonna leave!"

Hurried, I grabbed the poster and caramels, and ran out of JSC's car, then exclaimed for JSC to come with me. She told me to go!

I walked as quickly as I could to his car, to find J checking his texts in the car. I knocked on the window and he came out, then the car alarm went off. Whoops! Such a typical thing to happen to me, am I right?

I said, "J, I'd be Kilwinning if you went to Sadies with me!"

He said yes, and I was literally over the moon. I told him the whole story about what had happened, and we laughed about it. JSC took photos of us, and we were all ecstatic!

After we left, JSC told me that he tried to hug me after I asked and he said yes, but I was too excited that I didn't even notice. Whoops! Next time. ;)

You can tell by my smile how excited I was!

Sorry for the super long story, but I wanted to include every little detail. It was awkward, adorable and a lot of fun! I was delighted the rest of the night, as JSC and I talked, picked up ALD, and talked some more!

I posted this photo on Instagram and all my friends were so excited! There were so many sweet comments filled with excitement and "Finally!"s. Lots of heart eye emojis were included in the comments too.

So that's the story! The next step is very important... the dress. I don't want to spend too much money on a dress since prom is right around the corner, but I want it to be cute. I'm very picky on dresses, so it will be kind of hard! 

I have a more mature style, but for Sadies, I want something young and fun! Here are my favorite pick so far:

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I love this dress from Nordstrom! My only issue is the low-cut back which my mom isn't a fan of.

This is the only dress that even contends it for me. My only issue is that it isn't available at my local Nordstrom, so I can't try it on before purchasing it.

Do you have any ideas for Sadies dress options? Let me know. I will keep looking and post more soon!

Loafers

I love when men wear loafers. If I could, I would buy every guy a pair of Bass loafers.

Recently, I've been interested in the look of women's loafers. They are cute, but I'm just not sure how much I love them and if I'll wear them enough. But at the same time, who cares what others think?! I am dressing for myself, not for others.

Here are some of my favorite looks with loafers:

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I love all the neutrals, yet it doesn't look boring!

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I love how simple the outfit is, and with the additional of velvet loafers, it all comes together.

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An outfit from J.Crew that I already wear all the time. I get a little nervous from mixing patterns with gingham and cheetah print, but J.Crew has shown me it works.

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I love the aspect of the fun loafers, while still keeping it professional.

I have been eyeing for a pair of leopard/cheetah print shoes... I was looking at a pair of either chunky heels, flats... but I think a pair of cheetah print loafers could be my next purchase.

What do you think about loafers? Cheetah print? Cheetah print loafers?

Current Cravings: Holiday Edition

As I sit blasting Michael Buble, I get in the all-time best mood. He has the voice of an angel! I'm getting in the holiday spirit, and I'm getting really excited to see my family again soon. Christmas is truly my favorite time of the year. I get to be with my family and celebrate traditions we've had since I was born! Here are some of my favorite things that I might need this season...

Limited Edition Jess Holiday Dress

This dress is absolutely gorgeous and I'd love to pull it off at Christmas dinner. Not sure if I'm willing to pull off that $400 price tag though. I'm realllllly picky when it comes to dresses (I have made a mistake here and there, but overall, I have to find the perfect dress.) So when I find a dress I like, I love it. 

Fox Trot Tights

How cute are these tights?! I pinned these last year, and I'm so excited to see that Anthro is selling them again. I think it's a sign that I might have to buy them. But seriously how cute would they look with a full solid-colored skirt? I feel like they can be elegant, quirky or a little of both! I just have to find a skirt or dress to wear these with. ;)

Sheer Dot Tights

I am such a fan of black tights, I think they make every outfit look more winter-y, and gives me a perfect excuse to wear more dresses and skirts in the winter. These tights are the icing on the cake, with their sheer dots, they add a little touch to all these outfits.

Sophie Elephant Parade Loafers

And what is a holiday outfit without a festive pair of shoes? I am such a huge fan of loafers, but was never sure until recently. With a cute pair of pants and a buttondown, I'd love to rock these all winter. I personally think that they would be super cute with a dress or a skirt too! (With a pair of tights!) I could see myself rocking these at holiday parties and dressing them down for school as well.

Mayada Satin Smoking Slipper

Another pair of loafers I absolutely adore. I love the color emerald green and I love wearing it. These would be perfect for all holiday parties. Unfortunately, I'm not sure how many outfits I could match a pair of green shoes with... They come in black and nude as well, but I am just in love with the green.

ASOS Christmas Jumper

Is it really Christmas without a tacky Christmas sweater? I've always wanted to go to a Tacky Christmas Sweater party. Any takers to throw an awesome Tacky Christmas Sweater party with cocoa, cookies and candy canes galore? I need my first tacky Christmas sweater, party or no party, because I want to wear it on the last day of school before break! Target has also some cute ones!

Stay tuned for more Holiday-themed posts! Have a great rest of the weekend. Yay for tomorrow being Friday!

Current Cravings: Zara

Yesterday, I went to the NC State Fair with my best friend in the whole world, MNR. MNR's French tutor's niece was staying with MNR, so she came along as well! It was so much fun, and it was really fun showing our Frenchie the State Fair, the perfect representation of North Carolina! (Sorry I'm getting into my last Five on..., just to clarify- I'm writing this post first) Anyways, MNR is not only the best person I know, she's one of the most fashionable.

I was really interested to learn about current French trends and culture from our Frenchie, and she was telling me that many brands similar to America are popular: Abercrombie, Hollister, Forever 21, Zara, Longchamp, this one French brand whose name I didn't recognize (MNR knew it and she said it's extremely expensive!), and Nike (which is pronounced Nik there, apparently the American pronunciation for Nike means a vulgar word for sex in French! Fun fact of the day).

Anyways I haven't thought about Zara for a while. I went shopping with my cousin in Texas last year and her favorite shop at the time was Zara. She called it the grown-up version of Forever 21, as it has a variety of styles and trends. We went inside and I fell in love. Unfortunately, there aren't any Zara shops close to me, so I don't usually get the chance to go in and shop. Since we discussed Zara yesterday, I went to their website today and bam, I'm in love today. Excited to go to Texas so I can go in the shop soon, but for now, I will happily oblige to shopping online. I've been craving some new clothing shops, especially since J.Crew slightly raised their prices and that's where 99% of my closet is from. I forgot it's normal to purchase clothes from more than one shop. ;)

Loose fit trousers with elastic waistband

How cute are these pants?! The print is too cute.

Printed shirt

A blouse with elephants?! I'm sold.

Striped blouse with bib

It's the details that matter. Enlarge the image to check out how cute it is! Things you might not see in a photo but in person make a huge difference.

Tie Waist Blouse

Simplicity at its peak.

Top with back tie

Business in the front, party in the back.

Dress with shoulder zip

Makes you take a second glance.

Dress with box pleats in the front

A little pleating never hurt.

Long sleeved cable knit dress

My two favorite things combined.

Dress with embroidered front

WHOA

3/4 Length Dress

Every little detail, to a T.

Dress with puffed sleeves

If I could only wear one dress for the rest of my life, this might be the winner.

Pleated dress

It reminds me of Audrey Hepburn, I don't know why, but that's enough for me to want it.

There are other Zara pieces I'm looking at, but I'll show those in a later post. (You'll understand why when you read it!) What do you think of Zara? I love all of the quirky, unique details that truly set these pieces apart from the rest.